Leanne Ridenour, 48, "was put in a position of trust" to watch over the patient, who suffers from dementia, a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report states. Ridenour was given power of attorney to use the patient's bank account.

Between Dec. 31 and March 15, the report states, she withdrew $28,500 "for her own personal use." She was working as an independent caregiver, not for a company, said sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin.

Ridenour of New Port Richey was arrested on a charge of exploitation of the elderly.